A tough but rewarding expedition, which takes us away from the trails leading to Everest Base Camp to the sparsely-inhabited Hinku Valley. We walk through a beautiful high alpine environment, where Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6476m, towers over the valley. The ascent is a fairly non-technical climb, which anyone with ice-axe and crampon experience can attempt. With good acclimatisation and plenty of willpower, you can reach the summit of this beautiful Himalayan peak.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 3

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 4

11.4km/7.1miles

Day 5

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 6

7.3km/4.5miles

Day 7

6.4km/4.0miles

Day 8

9.2km/5.7miles

Day 9

12.4km/7.7miles

Day 11

5.5km/3.4miles

Day 13

3.7km/2.3miles

Day 14

1.5km/0.9miles

Day 15

13.5km/8.4miles

Day 16

14.1km/8.8miles

Day 17

8.5km/5.3miles

Day 18

6.8km/4.2miles

Day 19

5.6km/3.5miles

Number of days walking: 17

Terrain: High altitude. 3 high passes involving steep ascents and descents. Most of the trails are good, but some scrambling and walking on rock, scree, ice and snow.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Arrive Kathmandu.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. Those on land only arrangements will join us in the hotel in the afternoon.See more images and videos

2Day 2Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trek briefing and gear checks.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Alternatively you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Sightseeing tours can be booked locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section. There will also be a full trek briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally there will be time to do this today.See more images and videos

3Day 3Flight to Lukla. Heading south we follow the valley of the Dudh Kosi, trek to the small settlement of Piuyan.

We take the spectacular flight to the small airstrip at Lukla, (2,800m) the gateway to the Khumbu region and the start point for the popular trail towards Everest. It is a busy little village with many lodges, equipment and supply shops as well as the airport. Our staff will organise the porters and loads for the trek ahead, as Lukla is the only substantial sized village we will visit on this itinerary. We start our trek heading south from Lukla with a descent to Surkye. From here we have a steep climb up to the Chutok La from where we contour into a side valley to Piuyan (2,800m). See more images and videos

4Day 4Leave the main trail and climb through lush farmland to Pangkongma.

This morning we leave the main trade route which goes south to Phaplu. Instead we climb eastwards on a quieter trail which winds steadily upwards, over the Khari La and through lush terraced farmland towards the small trading centre of Pangkongma (2,850m). See more images and videos

5Day 5Cross the Pangkongma La. Descend to the Hinku Khola and ascend the valley to Nashing Dingma.

We climb steeply through a lush forest of bamboo and rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, to the Pangkongma La (3,173m). From here we catch our first views of Mera's impressive South Face, and that of its closer neighbour, Naulekh. We descend to the bottom of the valley, with views south over the hills of the lower Himalaya. We cross the Hinku River using a suspension bridge, and have a 2 hour climb up the east side of the valley to Nashing Dingma (2,600m). See more images and videos

6Day 6A steep climb to the Surkye La and then descend to Chholem.

The trail becomes steeper as we walk to the Surke La (3,900m), a pass that gives us a taste of the altitude yet to come. We'll need a cup of tea to catch our breath in the teahouse just over the pass, before continuing on to the summer grazing land of Chholem (3,600m). See more images and videos

7Day 7Climb to Panch Pokhari Lakes and descend to Khola Kharka.

This morning we leave the treeline behind, and approach wilder country, where the Sherpas only herd their animals in the summer months. It’s a hard day today with steep climbs and several ridges to cross. On a clear day we get a stunning view of Kanchenjunga and its pointed neighbour Jannu far away to the east in India. We continue climbing to the holy Panch Pokhari Lakes, and then descend to Khola Kharka (4,200m). See more images and videos

8Day 8Follow the Hinku Valley to Kote.

The route contours around the main Hinku Valley, then descends steeply through the different climate zones; from montane grassland, through juniper and rhododendron thickets to hemlock and silver fir forests. In the afternoon we continue descending through the atmospheric Mojang Forest and drop into the main Hinku Valley to the small settlement of Kote (3,550m). See more images and videos

9Day 9Follow the rocky valley up to Tangnag.

We follow the rocky riverbed upstream, a reminder of the destruction caused by the glacial lake bursting, to join the main Mera trail. Further walking through meadows dotted with dwarf junipers brings us to the village of Tangnag, where we stay for the next two nights (4,300m). We are now in a deep valley created by the towering walls of Kusum Kanguru and the western peak of Mera. See more images and videos

10Day 10Acclimatisation at Tangnag. Morning walk up to approximately 5000m with great mountain views.

We spend the day acclimatising to the altitude. There will be a walk this morning to the top of a ridge south of Tangnak. We walk to approximately 5,000m and should have great views of Kusum Kanguru, Chamlang and the Mera La. We return to camp for lunch.See more images and videos

11Day 11Half day walk to the last lodges at Khare, our base camp.

A short day with approximately three to four hours of gradual ascent past Dig Kharka to Khare, the Mera Peak Base Camp at Khare (5,000m). The afternoon is spent practicing ice axe and crampon techniques on the nearby glacier. Many of the porters will return to the more hospitable climate of Tangnag and await our return from the peak. See more images and videos

We have an acclimatisation day at Khare. We will do an equipment check and there will be the chance to walk up on to the glacier towards the Mera La, where we will practice our ice axe, crampon and rope technique and use of jumar. Please note that equipment checks and all practice sessions are compulsory before the climb. See more images and videos

13Day 13A short but hard day ascending steeply in snow to the Mera La.

We now take supplies up to the Mera La (5400m) and set up our camp just below the pass on the Honku side. The sunset from this campsite is truly spectacular with the peaks of the Honku Himal glowing red in the setting sun.See more images and videos

14Day 14Trek up to High Camp at 5800m. Preparation for tomorrow's climb.

We ascend the Mera Glacier up to a rocky outcrop to establish High Camp at 5,800m. Even those who are not climbing may well come up to the Mera La, to see how things are progressing. From this point it is possible to see five out of the six highest mountains on earth, stretching from Kanchenjunga in the east through Makalu, Lhotse and Everest to Cho Oyu in the west. This afternoon there will be a final gear check and we will prepare our clothes ready for tomorrow. After sunset (look out for the last orange glow on the summit of Makalu) we retire to the warmth of our sleeping bags to rest before the summit attempt tomorrow. Please note camping space is extremely limited at high camp and occasionally three people will need to share a tent. Meals will be served in your tent.

15Day 15A very long day starting in the dark to climb Mera Peak (6476m). Descend past High Camp and the Mera La to Khare.

An extremely long day with a very early (and usually a very cold) start at around 2am or earlier. We will set off roped up in teams. You will need to carry your ice axe and wear crampons as we ascend the wide, open glacier, avoiding the few crevasses. The terrain here is not very steep but the going is very slow due to the altitude. As dawn approaches the trail starts to ascend steeply to the east of the left-hand ridge before swinging right on easier ground to approach the summit. As we approach the summit we will rest at a col whilst the sherpas fix a safety rope to the bottom of the last part of the summit climb. The last 50m to the summit is the steepest part of the climb. We will need the jumar for this last section - it is steep and makes the climb more challenging. Please note crevasses here change from year to year. Once at the top the views from the sun rising over Kanchenjunga in the east, past Makalu to the plumed Everest Himal in the centre and Cho Oyu further west, make every step well worthwhile. Descending this steep section will involve abseiling from the summit and we will use the fixed rope back to the col. From here the descent is usually quicker although we will still be roped up. We descend back down to our base camp, arriving late afternoon. After a long but rewarding day, returning to a lower altitude (5,000m) means that we should all sleep soundly.

We complete this circular trek by returning to Lukla over the Zatrwa La (4,600m). It’s not all downhill though, and there are some very steep climbs and narrow trails on the return especially crossing the Zatrwa La. The pass has at least 3 different tops and the trail undulates precariously high above the valley floor. We spend one night at Chatrabuk (4,270m) and then cross the second part of the Zatrwa La the following morning (4,500m). From this trail we have magnificent views of Mera's vertical west face. After the passes the trail descends all the way down to Lukla where we will celebrate! See more images and videos

20Day 20Fly to Kathmandu.

We fly to Kathmandu in the morning, transfer to our hotel and head straight for a hot shower or a beer, depending on priorities!See more images and videos

What's not included

Accommodation details

Hotels, Lodges & Camping

In Kathmandu we use a centrally-located hotel. All rooms have en suite facilities. Whilst on trek we use a mixture of tea houses and camping. On the trekking route we will stay in tea houses. These are quite basic in some places and we will carry some food with us. Some days there may be no tea house at lunchtimes – on these days we carry a packed lunch. Washing and toilet facilities will be basic and sleeping arrangements will be in twin-bedded or multi-bedded rooms. We use tea houses so that we can run this trek on small numbers.
On booking you will be sent our Information Sheet for Lodge Based Treks, which will provide you with further details on the lodges and their facilities.
For the Mera Peak climb we camp. We provide two-person tents, cooking and kitchen gear and support staff.
There is no single supplement available whilst on the trek itself. A single room for the four nights spent in Kathmandu can be booked for a supplement of From £100 (approx. US$190), subject to availability; please request this at the time of booking.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. The current cost of a visa on arrival is USD25 for 15 days, USD40 for 30 days or if extending your stay USD100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. You will also need a passport photo. The visa fee can be paid in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is GBP20 for a 15 day visa and GBP35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. All other nationalities should check with their nearest embassy.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.
Holiday style

This is a Level 9 trek, with 17 days point-to-point walking, a maximum altitude of 6,476m, and an average of 3,660m. This is a strenuous and tough trip, and we recommend that you have previous experience of walking at altitude, and take regular exercise. The trek takes place away from the main trails and in areas where there are few villages. The valleys are steep-sided and many of the trails are rocky. There are also some very steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails.
Mera Peak has been designated a 'trekking peak' by the Nepalese Government. For many years the climb was Alpine Grade F (Facile/Easy) but due to recent changes to the summit the final 30-40 metres is now Alpine Grade PD (Peu Difficle/Slightly Difficult). You will be roped up from high camp due to crevasses, and climbing Sherpas will fix a rope for the last 50 metre section. Conditions on the summit are continuously changing as crevasses open up. Currently the final 50 metres are very steep and a jumar is required. On descending you will need to abseil down a short distance from the summit.
There will be compulsory equipment checks and practice sessions for climbing equipment. Those who do not participate in all of these sessions risk being prevented from attempting the climb by the leader. We also recommend that you have previous climbing experience.
Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group.
We will be staying in local mountain lodges on this trek (also known as teahouses) with two nights camping above base camp.

Eating & drinking

In Kathmandu breakfast is included. Please allow £12 to £15 (approx. US$20-25) per day for main meals in Kathmandu. On trek all food is included. All meals in the lodges will be fixed set meals chosen by the leader. A hot drink will be included at mealtimes. If you wish to purchase extra food or drinks you will need to pay extra for this. Please note drinking water (boiled or otherwise) is not included. You can buy boiled water or cold drinking water is available free, which you need to treat. Imported soft drinks and snacks are very expensive in the tea houses the further away from Lukla you get. If you purchase these you will spend a few pounds more each day.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and below Khare days on trek are usually sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Higher up there can be snow and above Khare it will be cold as you are on a glacier. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 15ºC or lower at the highest altitudes.

Pre-monsoon: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. There can be rain or snow on trek.

There will always be snow above Khare at the Mera La and High Camp. Summit day will be a very early start and will be very cold. There may also be high winds on Mera La and on summit day. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day. There can also be snow on the Zatrwa La.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A memorable trek, well organised and with excellent company. Not for the faint hearted but the view from the summit made it worthwhile.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Kaji Sherpa, a 4 time Everest summiteer, provided plenty of inspiration for all.

Reaching the summit of Mera Peak on a bitterly cold but cloudless morning with a stunning view of 5No. 8,000m+ summits and dozens of equally impressive lesser peaks main the exertions of the previous hours and days worthwhile

What did you think of your group leader?

Ngima was a highly competent leader. Very knowledgable on Nepal in general and the Mera / Everest area in particular he communicated well with the group as a whole and on an individual basis. Team briefings were clear and informative and any issue which arose, including a day lost due to rain and a case of frostbite, were addressed in a calm and professional fashion.

Worth noting that Ngima was not a one man band. Other guides Kaji, Lakpa, Ngima, Mingma and Kami and cook Ran and his kitchen team provided invaluable back-up and assistance to the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not a trek for first timer's. Most of our group had previous experience of several elements => Nepal, at high altitude, in extreme cold and on snow and ice. This was reflected in the success rate - 12 of 14 made the highest camp at 5,800m and 9 made the summit at 6,476m.

Hire Equipment: I took my own plastic boots and ice axe, hiring a harness and technical gear which were good quality in Kathmandu. Others hired plastic boots and ice axe locally, the quality was variable at best. Hiring boots is achievable but needs care => recommend take your own.

Essential Equipment: Plastic boots, good gloves and a good sleeping bag are essential on this trek above 5,000m. Scarpa Omega Thermo boots, Mountain Equipment Fitzroy mitts and a Rab Ladakh 1000 sleeping bag all performed very well in extreme cold and wind.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food: No issues. Hot, filling and plentiful. Kitchen crew did well do provide good food in the middle of nowhere. Expect a bit of repetition though. Snacks can be bought up to Khare at 5,000m and are essential on summit day at least on the way up.

Luggage Limits: Trips notes indicate 20Kg but current carrier allows 32Kg in economy - Check before you go. Not all required but an extra 2 or 3 Kg's allows you to pack plastic boots and ice axe without leaving something else.

When to go: September departure is at the end of the monsoon - make sure of waterproofs. Early days were wet but too warm for goretex jacket to be effective, an umbrella is invaluable as is a dry sack with dry shirt / shorts.

What to Take: Plastic Boots v clothes? Trekking clothes, jackets, dry sacks etc. are widely available and a good price in Kathmandu => If its a choice, take your own plastic boots.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is there anywhere to store luggage while on trek?

You will be packing your kitbag for the trek before you leave Kathmandu, and can leave your main luggage at the Royal Singhi hotel in Kathmandu, where it will be stored securely free of charge. However, as with any destination, we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Do I need to take walking poles?

If you are used to walking with trekking poles then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference but do remember to pack them as part of your main luggage to be stowed in the hold. If you decide later you'd like to have some, they are available to buy in Kathmandu.

Olly Leicester - Sales

What distance do we walk each day?

When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances on each day.

For example, you might walk 7 miles one day and it takes 5 hours. The next day the trail might be very steep , rocky and gain substantial altitude and such factors mean you cover just 2 miles in 5 hours!

In the Himalaya, even the local people only ever talk about distances in the mountains in terms of how long it will take, i.e. 5 hours walk. On most trekking trips, you will walk for 3-4 hours in the morning and another couple after lunch.

Olly Leicester - Sales

Does the 12kg baggage limit apply to my hand luggage?

The 12kg is only the weight limit for your kit bag (checked in luggage) on the flight. It does NOT include hand luggage, which is not weighed but must fit in the overhead compartments.

Can you give me more info on altitude sickness?

Can I buy any equipment in Kathmandu before the start of the trip?

Yes. There are dozens of trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Depending on how good your bartering skills are, you can usually pick up items for about one third of the price that you'll pay in the UK...and its more fun to bargain! However, please note we cannot guarantee the quaility of anything you may purchase so buyer beware.

David Richardson - Sales

On a lodge or teahouse trek, how much spending money should I allow ?

£20 - £25 per day is ample, but it is possible to spend less (and more!). Meals are usually pretty cheap but extras such as sweets or snacks will add a bit more to your budget. There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu, so you can withdraw more Nepalese currency if you are running short towards the end of your trip.

Mike James - Operations director

Trekking in Nepal articles

Staff member Dan Cockburn travelled to Nepal with Exodus and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday. Olly Townsend also trekked in the Himalaya and you can read his thoughts here.

I have some free time in Kathmandu?

If you are looking to do something off the beaten track just for half a day around Kathmandu, head out to Bungmati and Khokana. Just an hour drive on the outskirts of Kathmandu and you will find yourself in this sleepy little twin village where not much has changed in terms of construction, profession of people (most are still farmers, woodcarvers and weavers) or the pace of life. The twin villages are 15 minutes apart and you walk through the dirt trails, with farms and fields on either side. Should you have extra time and still want to do something, the Tibetan Refugee Settlement where you can see carpet weaving to a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery falls half way on the way back from here to the Royal Singi Hotel.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Any good tips for eating out in Kathmandu?

Head down to the Everest Steak House in southern Thamel for a mouth watering steak and chips, well earned if you’re just back from trek. Finish it off with a cocktail in the legendary Tom & Jerry bar up the road!

You can also head to Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel, a great place with casual indoor and outdoor eating which is popular amongst travellers, and locals alike. This restaurant is a great place to meet for a morning cup of Italian espresso, or a hearty meal of delicious pizzas, pastas, ice cream and even a Grappa!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Any special food I should try in Kathmandu?

Dal BhatDal Bhat is the Nepali staple food. It consists of rice and lentils and a spicy vegetable or meat curry. Nepalis will eat this twice a day. A good lunchtime Dal Bhat is served at Nanglos restaurant 5 minutes walk from the Royal Singi Hotel, or try the Royal Dal Bhat at Kilroys.

Momos

This Nepalese version of dumplings/ wantons is a traditional delicacy and a must try local dish while you are in Nepal. Momo dumplings are either steamed or fried with chicken/or buff (water buffalo) as well as stuffed with vegetables for vegetarians and have become the most famous fast food amongst Nepalese and can be found on the menus of most restaurants serving locals and tourists alike.

Kwanti soup

This mixed bean soup is usually served during festivals and gatherings and now has made its way in many of restaurant menus. Goes well with Naan or roti bread.

Choela

This is a typical Newari dish smoked meat (chicken; lamb or buffalo meat) tossed with spices and mustard oil. Easily available in most Nepalese and local restaurants in Kathmandu around Hotel Royal Singi and in sightseeing spots.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

On trek in Nepal, is there enough drinking water available?

On camping treks we provide safe boiled water for drinking 3 times a day.On lodge based treks we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles. You can buy boiled water which is safe to drink or you can ask your leader for cold water which you then must treat with chlorine dioxide. On the Annapurna Circuit trek there are safe drinking water stations in many villages. In the Everest region a couple of lodges have UV treated water for sale.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

You recently looked at

From the social networks

Exodus Travels
New Horizons, Old Friends
Did you know you can now book an Exodus adventure just for you and your friends? http://bit.ly/1BDCAQi
#JointheEx... Make an Exodus itinerary your own by taking your own friend with you, and still get a dedicated leader for the duration of the trip. Private Adventures for You & Yours3 hours 51 min ago.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out more about how we incorporate responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you can help by donating to one of our responsible travel projects.